In a severe blow to Delhi Capitals (DC), news comes that star Australian pacer Mitchell Starc does not seem set to return to the rest of the IPL 2025 season. The left-arm pacer returned to Australia with Alyssa Healy when the league had to be shut down temporarily over security issues. Though the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) looks ahead to a likely resumption by May 16 or 17, Starc's return remains uncertain.

Starc, who was procured by DC for ₹11.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction following his release by the Kolkata Knight Riders, has been a key performer in the tournament this season. He has played all 12 games and grabbed 14 wickets with his contributions proving crucial to the bowling attack of DC. His unavailability would be a deep blow to the franchise's chances of the playoffs, particularly with the uncertainty about the availability of other Australian players.

Australian media sources indicated that Starc arrived in Sydney last Sunday but made no public remarks. According to his manager, political tensions may be behind the fast bowler's possible choice to miss the remainder of the IPL. The DC-Punjab Kings match was recently abandoned following security warnings in Dharamsala, prompting concerns among a number of overseas players.

🚨𝑹𝑬𝑷𝑶𝑹𝑻𝑺🚨

Delhi Capitals’ star pacer Mitchell Starc is unlikely to return to India for the remainder of IPL 2025! 🇦🇺👀🏏#IPL2025 #MitchellStarc #DelhiCapitals #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/VxM3Sr0K5A

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) May 11, 2025

Also read: Big setback for RCB ahead of IPL 2025 restart key player in doubt

Concerns About Australian Stars Clouds IPL Return

Complicating matters, it has been reported that the other best players in Australian cricket, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Travis Head, are yet to confirm their availability to return after the Test series. They will first take part in a pre-World Test Championship camp in the UK, before playing South Africa at Lord's, and then play a Test tour to the West Indies. The packed international cricket calendar may also dissuade audience players from finishing the IPL.

Former Australian skipper Mark Taylor expressed concern over the possibility of abandoning the IPL play-offs, "We’re talking about livelihoods, mental health, and safety—they are more important than money.” Meanwhile the BCCI are trying to re-locate the remaining games to southern cities such as Chennai or Bengaluru, where there is a better chance of playing in a safe environment. We are still waiting for final approval from the government, so until then we are unaware of the future of IPL 2025—especially when it comes to international stars like Starc.